Drawing us in with an ethereal piano performance and delicate, atmospheric vocalizations, Leonie Sherif opens SUNBURN with a dimensional riser before sharing the lyrics, “Can you keep it real cos I’m hoping, ask me how I feel, barely coping, to keep it real, yeah I’m broken, closed eyes never open…”

We immediately connect with the warmth and vulnerability that manifests as the talented and visionary multi-disciplinary creative shares a more intimate and personal side of her artistry. In essence, SUNBURN is about emotional pain that won’t go away.

Leonie Sherif shares notions of heartbreak, burnout and feeling mentally stuck. She conveys poetically how she feels broken, haunted by memories and trapped in her own mind. This feels so raw and authentic, a side of the artist that we have yet to explore.

The fragrance designer and pop star sing about how life feels unreal, slow, and overwhelming, like a bad dream or simulation. Even after trying to move on, the pain still burns – hence the title of the track. There is a pull to return to what hurt her, despite knowing it’s toxic. The also shows how suffering is hidden behind a fake sense of being okay. This feels super relatable, and we applaud Leonie for truly sharing her lived experience like this. We could imagine the song being featured in a TV show like 13 Reasons Why, or Euphoria on HBO.

Leonie confesses, “SUNBURN functions as both a literal and emotional metaphor. A sunburn is not the moment of exposure. It is the aftermath. The delayed realisation. The sting that surfaces hours later. The tenderness, the peeling, the fragile new skin underneath. Recovery is slow and uneven. You do not wake up restored. You move through it day by day.”

The song comes with an evocative music video which sees the star share her soul in a fiery, tropical universe, bringing life her message with charisma, uniqueness and power. We also learn that the idea of the song speaks to the star’s deeper relationship with endurance, specifically her experience of living with chronic pain, including endometriosis. It also taps into her work advocating in women’s health spaces, which has shaped her view of resilience.

SUNBURN was written and produced by Leonie Sherif in her home studio, with all production and vocal arrangements handled independently, alongside light co-production, and final mixing and mastering support from DahSherif and SP Deville.

Leonie confesses that the track draws influence from R&B and pop architects like Babyface, Darkchild, Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Rich Harrison, and The Neptunes, filtered through a contemporary alternative R&B and electronica lens with a Jersey club pulse.

Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added SUNBURN to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Leonie Sherif, and anticipate future releases from the talented artist.

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We previously featured the original version of Leonie Sherif’s TWILIGHT – a transcendental tune that blurred the lines between music, fragrance and emotion. So when we heard that the star was back with the Sp Deville Remix of the song, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.

TWILIGHT (Sp Deville Remix) opens with a cerebral, nocturnal energy with haunting whistle tones and a dark pop meets Amapiano vibe as Leonie Sherif shares ad libs of the title of the track and an atmospheric, captivating vocal performance.

Leonie sings, “Like nirvana, a place you’ve never seen, like no other, I know you’ve never been, let’s go further, we’re no longer between, sun and water, no matter what, I need you by my side… Tell me are you down to ride oh, and you know you gotta be my clyde, we heading into paradise…”. Her poetic prowess is outstanding, and her delivery is hypnotic.

We love the descriptive depth that the star exudes and the escapist themes with lyrics like the hook, “Does it feel like we’re on planet earth, are we in our own little universe, maybe we could stop off on the metaverse, twilight hit me with that high life…”

As for the production, we are completely in awe. There is a cosmic sense of dimensionality that Sp Deville brings to life with astral synths, spiritually-inclined drum work and and overarching sentiment that adds value to the original, whilst retaining its core and bringing out a deeper meaning.

Leonie Sherif is a multi-talented artist who has been featured on ITV and Channel 5. She is also the founder of Sense’N’ by Sherif, where she crafts artisan fragrances and pairs them with her original music, in essence, turning scent into song. This is highly innovative work and there is no doubt that Leonie is a consciously enlightened soul on planet Earth. Living with endometriosis, her chronic illness advocacy also fuels her art, where pain becomes power and sound becomes sanctuary.

Naturally, we have added the sublime and celestial remix of TWILIGHT to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Leonie Sherif, and anticipate future releases, in scent and song, from the visionary artiste!

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Leonie Sherif, one of our favourite, rising East London/Essex-based singer-songwriters, has consistently showcased her innovative spirit by intertwining music and fragrance, creating a multi-sensory experience for her audience. Her latest release, TWILIGHT, exemplifies this unique fusion, serving as both a captivating song and the olfactory embodiment of her second fragrance from her niche perfume house, Sense’N’By Sherif.

TWILIGHT is a sublime blend of cosmic and ethereal Afrobeat soundscapes. The track opens with ambient synths that set a dreamy atmosphere, soon complemented by rhythmic Afrobeat percussion that adds a grounding groove. Leonie’s ethereal vocals float effortlessly above this foundation, creating a sense of otherworldly allure.

The lyrics invite us on a journey beyond the familiar, “Like nirvana, a place you’ve never seen, like no other, I know you’ve never been, let’s go further…”

These lines suggest a transcendental experience, urging a departure from the mundane into a realm where reality and fantasy blur. The recurring motif of “Twilight” symbolizes this in-between state, a liminal space where possibilities are endless.

Leonie’s endeavor to merge music with fragrance is both innovative and evocative. With TWILIGHT, she not only offers a song but also a scent that encapsulates the same themes. While specific details about the fragrance’s notes are limited, the concept suggests a sensory alignment between the auditory and olfactory experiences. This dual release allows fans to immerse themselves fully in the world Leonie has crafted, engaging multiple senses simultaneously.

In this release, Leonie collaborated with Nigerian producer St Oasis, known for his expertise in instrumental production. Together, they have crafted a hypnotic and seductive sound that captivates listeners. This partnership marks a significant evolution in Leonie’s artistry, blending her ethereal R&B style with Afrobeat influences to create a track that is both innovative and deeply emotive.

TWILIGHT stands as a testament to Leonie Sherif‘s artistic vision and her commitment to creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences. By seamlessly blending music and fragrance, she invites her audience to explore new dimensions of connection and emotion. As both a song and a scent, TWILIGHT offers a unique journey that lingers in the mind and senses long after the experience. Naturally, we have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of the star, including NGMB, and VENUS.

The post Leonie Sherif’s TWILIGHT: A Cosmic Afrobeat Dreamscape That Transcends Sound and Scent, Blurring the Lines Between Music, Fragrance, and Emotion appeared first on KIMU.

We previously featured Leonie Sherif as she took us on an empowering and luxurious trip with her hypnotic single, VENUS, so when we heard that the star was back with NGMB, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.

NGMB (“Never Get Me Back”) manifests an evocative journey through heartbreak, resilience, and liberation. From the very first note, the track captures a unique balance between emotion and sonic sophistication, opening with an entrancing, cerebral synthscape that immediately sets a reflective, captivating tone. The atmosphere is rich with nuanced electronic layers, creating an otherworldly backdrop that pulls us in, almost as if we’re floating through her inner universe. The song’s expansive, spatial soundscape leaves an immediate impression, radiating both timelessness and a futuristic edge that make it feel innovative and forward-thinking.

Leonie’s vocal performance is central to NGMB, imbuing every line with depth and vulnerability. Her voice navigates effortlessly between melodic phrases and rhythmic, R&B-infused lines, bringing out an emotional intensity that’s as immersive as it is intimate. Her vocal flow feels fluid and flawless, giving each verse and chorus a feeling of natural evolution as she moves through the song’s themes of resilience and self-worth. There’s a divine quality to her delivery, a lushness that resonates, reflecting both the influence of her ’90s R&B idols and her own authentic, contemporary artistry. This is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a reimagining of classic R&B elements into something entirely her own.

The layered, immersive choruses are a sonic standout, providing a wave of harmony that surrounds the listener. These lush vocal layers create a feeling of introspection and empowerment, pulling listeners further into the story she’s telling. The astral undertones of the track – nuanced synths that weave in and out, combined with textured drum patterns – create an atmosphere that is both celestial and grounded, enhancing the track’s infectious quality. This complexity makes NGMB not only catchy but also memorable, with layers that linger long after the track has ended.

Lyrically, Leonie’s writing in NGMB is both poetic and personal, resonating with emotional authenticity. Her words feel carefully chosen, and it’s clear she writes from a place of lived experience and deep introspection. The prose is smart, yet accessible, reflecting a natural storytelling ability that makes the song universally relatable while maintaining her unique voice. She weaves themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience into her lyrics with a subtle grace, making her message both profound and approachable. In NGMB, she doesn’t just recount her journey; she invites listeners to reflect on their own, creating an intimate, shared experience.

Leonie Sherif’s artistry shines through every element of NGMB, showcasing her growth as a musician, producer, and storyteller. Since her debut with NOCTURNAL WAVE in 2018, Leonie has steadily evolved her sound, experimenting with production and vocal arrangements that bring out a sophisticated R&B-electro fusion. With influences ranging from Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton to Timbaland and Darkchild, she’s forged a style that bridges the alternative and the commercial, blending the warmth of classic R&B with a modern, experimental edge. Her production choices in NGMB reflect this skill, balancing ambiance with rhythm and giving each sonic detail a distinct purpose.

In NGMB, Leonie has crafted an empowering anthem that is as much about reclaiming one’s strength as it is about healing. The song reveals her journey through heartache and betrayal and emphasizes her resilience – a process that she describes as both empowering and liberating. Written and produced in her home studio, this song is a testament to her talent, and her authenticity shines through every beat and lyric. Leonie Sherif has created something deeply personal yet universally resonant with NGMB, and it’s clear she’s only just beginning to scratch the surface of her potential as an innovative artist in the contemporary R&B space.

We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream Leonie Sherif’s wider discography, and anticipate future releases from the cosmic star.

The post Leonie Sherif’s NGMB – A Cosmic Anthem of Resilience appeared first on KIMU.

Establishing the mood with a meditative synthscape, astral bells and atmospheric ad libs, Leonie Sherif opens VENUS with seductive prose and a transcendental R&B vocal. We immediately connect with the refined production, and the charismatic depth that the star exudes.

The opus is laced with intricacy and dynamism, and brings to life the message that Leonie is manifesting in a creative and immersive manner. We learn that Leonie Sherif is a self taught beat maker and produces all of her demos and vocals from home collaborating with engineers and other producers to bring her concepts to finality.

VENUS serves to empower the “ultimate feminine energy”, and as the musical embodiment of Leonie’s first fragrance which has been released from her perfume house Sense’N’By Sherif – a hub where music and fragrance converge. This reminds us a lot of NEO 10Y’s single, GODDEX, and the accompanying cult fragrance.

Leonie confesses that VENUS was composed and produced from the comfort of her apartment. She was inspired by one of her fragrance accord creations to create VENUS as an airy, lush rhythmic atmospheric track which embodies feminine energy with an air of sass and luxury – and it does just that!

Leonie Sherif‘s venture into the fragrance industry is a groundbreaking move that echoes the pioneering spirit of music legends who have expanded their creative empires beyond traditional boundaries.

As an independent artist, her decision to release a fragrance within her artistic universe is particularly innovative, blending the sensory experiences of sound and scent in a way that few musicians have attempted. This bold step not only enhances her brand’s multidimensionality but also offers fans a unique, immersive experience that deepens their connection to her work. By intertwining her music with a signature fragrance, Sherif demonstrates an exceptional level of creativity and entrepreneurial savvy, setting a new standard for how independent artists can diversify and enrich their artistic expressions.

The East London/Essex born multi-disciplinary creator was inspired from a young age by three of the reigning ‘M’s’ of the 90’s: Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Madonna’, but it is clear that Leonie is manifesting a universe of her own. We have added VENUS to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we await the incoming music video, and continue to explore Leonie Sherif‘s wider discography and artistic endeavours!

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